228 LIFE STORIES OF AUSTRALIAN INSECTS. 



ORDER COLEOPTERA. 

 (Beetles.) 



These insects have the front pair of wings modi- 

 fied to form hard shields or cover wings without 

 veins (hence the name of the order: Coleos, a 

 sheath, and pteron, a wing). 



Characteristics: (i) The hardness of the integu- 

 ment: hence beetles preserve well for collections, 

 and in some cases are set in gold and silver for 

 necklaces or brooches. The Buprestids are some- 

 times used in this way. 



(2) Wings: The first pair of wings are shell- 

 like and are termed elytra or cover wings (Plate 

 28, Fig. lb). They do not cross one another but 

 fit together along the middle of the back, thus in 

 repose forming a veritable armour-plate for the 

 body. The second pair of "flying wings" 

 is folded and tucked away under the elytra 

 when the insect is not in flight. (Plate 28, Fig. i.) 

 In some cases the flying wings are absent and then 

 the elytra are frequently soldered to form one 

 sheath : this is seen in some ground beetles (Plate 

 30, Fig. 2) and in some weevils. 



(3) The thorax. The prothorax (Plate 28, Fig. 

 4a) is usually large and very free: from the dorsal 

 side only the prothorax is seen, and it is often called 

 the thorax by beginners. On examining the under 



